STDs
STD’s and Abortion
If you undergo an abortion with an undiagnosed STD, like Chlamydia, you have a greater risk of developing PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease). PID can lead to serious consequences including infertility, ectopic pregnancy, abscess formation, and chronic pelvic pain. Since many women with STDs are asymptomatic and don’t realize they are infected, we recommend STD testing before undergoing an abortion.
Common STDs
There are at least 25 types of STDs, some have symptoms and some do not. When you visit the HAPC you will receive information on safer sex practices and reducing your risk of contracting an STD. Be informed.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most frequently reported bacterial sexually transmitted disease in the United States. Any sexually active person can be infected with Chlamydia. The greater the number of sex partners, the greater the risk of infection. Because the cervix of teenage girls and young women is not fully matured, they are at particularly high risk for infection.
HIV
HIV/AIDS HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infects cells of the immune system. Infection results in the progressive deterioration of the immune system, breaking down the body’s ability to fend off infections and diseases. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) refers to the most advanced stages of HIV infection. There are still over 1 million people living with HIV in the United States. About one-fourth of those have not yet been diagnosed and are unaware of their infection
Gonorrhea
In women, symptoms of Gonorrhea are often mild, but most women who are infected have no symptoms. Even when a woman has symptoms, they can be mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection. Untreated gonorrhea can cause serious and permanent health problems.
Here are some links to additional information about STDs:
- STD List (from CDC): http://www.cdc.gov/STD/HealthComm/fact_sheets.htm
- STD Risk Evaluator: http://www.stdwizard.org/
